Report a Missing Person

Before contacting police, check with the missing person’s workplace, family members, friends, and usual hangouts, as well as local hospitals and jails.

**There is no waiting period to file a missing person report. As soon as you believe a person is missing, file a report.**

Next, have only one person call 911 to contact the police. (If you're too upset to answer questions, have someone else make the call.)

You will not necessarily be told when the person is found. They or their parent/guardian have the right to request confidentiality.

If the missing person returns on their own, tell police immediately.

Information to tell the police

Step 1.Why you think the person is missing

  • What unusual event or situation leads you to believe the person is in danger/missing? For example, do they always bring their keys, phone, purse, or wallet everywhere they go and they've left them at home? Provide details.

Step 2.Their possible mental state

  • For example, are they hostile, depressed, confused, angry?
  • Are they a potential danger to themselves or others? Are they known to have or carry weapons?

Step 3.Medical issues

  • Do they take/need medication? Do they have a history of dementia or mental illness?

Step 4.When they were last seen

  • When they were last seen and how long you think they've been missing

Step 5.Vehicle description

  • The make, model, and color of their vehicle(s)

Step 6.Physical description

  • A detailed physical description of the person, including:
    • Sex
    • Race/Ethnicity
    • Height
    • Weight
    • Age
    • Hair color
    • Distinguishing marks, such as tattoos or birthmarks
    • A description of the clothes they were wearing when last seen
  • If you have one or two clear and recent photographs available, consider providing them to the police as soon as possible.
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